Questions and Answers:

Question:

In our meeting with KYTC and the USFS on March 9, 2007, we were told that the USFS was going to provide storage volumes available, at selected sites, within the LBL which could receive material excavated within the TVA and Corp of Engineers flowage easement. Further, it was our understanding that selected areas would be provided for which this material could be excavated, within the LBL, near the project site. As of this date we have not received any information. A selected site near the project for excavation within the floodplain could potentially save the state millions of dollars.

Answer:

Each team has been sent areas identified on site maps supplied by US Army Corp of Engineers regarding possible locations that material could be excavated from the lake to offset material placed within the flowage easement. The exact amount that can be removed from these areas is unknown, but it is anticipated that this will not be sufficient to completely offset the amount of material placed within the flowage easement of the lake as part of this project. The DBT should look to other possible locations for additional sites to fulfill this US Army Corp of Engineers requirement. As discussed at the March 9, 2007 meeting with US Forest Service and in other correspondence, the area known as the "Rifle Range" will be available to place some of the material excavated from the flowage easement area. At this time, USFS is still working on the exact size of the area, but have estimated that 104,000 C.Y. could be placed in this area.

Question:

The announcement states that the contractor shall be pre-qualified in Grade and Drain. Is this a grade, drain, surfacing, and structures contract?

Answer:

The project will involve grade, drain, surfacing, and structures. The Prime Contractor must only be pre-qualified as grade and drain, the other items may be done by approved sub-contractors.

Question:

The announcement states that the consultant shall be pre-qualified in Rural Roadway Design>$250,000. Is structure design part of the contract?

Answer:

Structure design is part of the contract. However, it can be done by an approved sub-consultant.

Question:

The announcement states that the team will acquire right-of-way and easements. It is our understanding that the National Forest Service owns the LBL. Will right-of-way negotiations actually occur? Is pre-qualification in right-of-way acquisition required?

Answer:

Right of way acquisition services are a part of the contract (whatever is required). However, it can be done by an approved sub-consultant.

Question:

What criteria will KYTC use to evaluate Design Build Teams submittals in the "short list process?"

Answer:

Please refer to the Letter of Interest released for this project. First, members of the Design Build Team must meet the minimum qualifications established for the project as detailed. Letters of interest shall wer: address the following areas: 1) Provide a list of Team members and their expected roles and experience. 2) Description of experience in similar type of work 3) Demonstrate (using past project examples), the capabilities of meeting an ambitious project schedule 4) Demonstrate (using past project examples), the ability to coordinate with utility companies, property owners, and the general public to produce a successful project that is on time and on budget. Past projects the Design Build Team may have been involved with that used "context sensitive" design and construction techniques will be given strong consideration in the selection process.

Question:

What is the anticipated min. percent of completion of the plans both roadway and structures at the bid date?

Answer:

The plans will need to be completed to a stage such that the DBT is comfortable providing a 1 Lump Sum all inclusive bid for the project. This has been estimated at 30 to 60%.

Question:

Will detailed quantities be required and to what point will the plans to sustain those quantities have to be completed?

Answer:

Yes, detailed quantities will be required to support the Lump Sum bid submitted.

Question:

Will the plans be required as part of the bid package?

Answer:

Yes, plans will be required.

Question:

The announcement letter indicates that Right of Way acquisition will be the reasonability of the DBT. Is the number of R/W parcels known and are Federal and/or State agencies among the parcels?

Answer:

KYTC estimates that a single property owner will be involved. The area is managed by the US Forest Service. The DBT will be responsible for following all state and federal requirements needed to obtain the Right of Way for the purpose of building the roadway, any temporary and permanent easements needed, and multi-use path.

Question:

Would it be possible for you to provide a copy of the existing US 68 plans through the LBL for F and H? The plans I am requesting are the original plans from the thirties or forties. I would like the complete set, if possible.

Answer:

The old plan files that are available will be scanned and sent via Email to the respective teams in the next couple of weeks.

Question:

If design exceptions are submitted, will they be shared with other teams, or held in confidentiality until bids are submitted?

Answer:

As detailed in the Scope of Services document, it is KYTC's intention to make all teams aware of any design exceptions requested and\or approved for the project.

Question:

Would the Department entertain alternate pavement designs? Conversations with regulatory agencies indicate some interest in this.

Answer:

No, the Department will not entertain alternate pavement design requests at this time. As a part of the preparation of the Scope of Services for this project, KYTC considered both concrete and asphalt pavement types for this project. It was determined that asphalt was the best choice in this instance.

Question:

Please provide the following information if it is available: Control Survey Report and Preliminary Design Report from June 2004

Answer:

Copies of these reports are being included on supplemental CD's that contain other recently requested information. These CD's should be mailed out very soon from the District to all DBT's.

Question:

At the pre-submittal meeting, it was mentioned that old design plans from EA Partners and Skees Engineering were available. We would like to request a copy of these design plans.

Answer:

These plans and files are being made available as "information only". KYTC is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. Compact Disks containing copies of all available design plans and files from EA Partners and Skees Engineering will be mailed to all three DBT directly by District 1.

Question:

Please provide copies of existing design plans for US 68 through LBL.

Answer:

This information has been sent to all DBT's via the mail. If any DBT has yet to receive this information, please contact this office and a new copy will be sent.

Question:

Are Digital Ortho Photographs available for the project?

Answer:

Not to KYTC's knowledge

Question:

The data received from KYTC for this project was created using Feet (Version 2.0). This is not compatible with new data generated using the Survey Feet (Version 2.07) that is currently specified in the latest KYTC design standards. Do we use the 2.07 CADD Standards with old design working units (Feet) or use the 2.07 CADD Standards and convert the old data to survey feet?

Answer:

KYTC's reference to Version 2.0 in the Scope of Services Document was an error. Please use Version 2.07. However, in light of the age of the information supplied, KYTC has determined it is not practical to require that the information be converted from feet to survey feet for this project

Question:

Will the DBT be responsible for any construction or design services that are not directly called for in the Scope of work or the Phase I plans? i.e. Hydrologic modeling, noise mitigation, additional restrictions on construction dates etc.

Answer:

It is the intent of KYTC to receive, as a minimum, the items listed in the Scope of Services and the Phase I plans. Many of the mitigation items referred to in the FONSI will be handled by a separate agreement between KYTC and USFS. Other "enhancements" to the design and construction for the project may be offered by the DBT. They will be reviewed as value added components and given due consideration in the selection process. Specifically, KYTC expects the DBT to utilize normal procedures for the development of a BMP plan. If soil conditions dictate the need for hydrologic modeling in this regard, then it may be necessary. However, KYTC would normally not suggest that this would need to be done. Most noise mitigation issues referred to in the FONSI are in reference to construction equipment and restricted working hours needed in order to not disturb certain wildlife at various times of the year. KYTC, in conjunction with USFS, made every effort to include all restrictions in the Scope of Servicedocuments. However, this project is expected to last multiple construction seasons and changes may have to be made. If any changes are made that would prove to have major impacts on the schedule provided by the DBT, KYTC recognizes that this would be an issue and is agreeable, in principle, to a certain amount of flexibility given the proper circumstances. KYTC expects the same consideration from the DBT.

Question:

Can the KYTC provide traffic turning movement volumes for the intersection of US 68 and the Trace?

Answer:

KYTC does not readily have this information. If it can be found, it will be provided at the Utility and informational meeting to be held 1-17-07.

Question:

May the DBT initiate direct coordination with the permitting agencies prior to bid submittal to better define the permitting and mitigation requirements for costing and scheduling? Also, will local mitigation be required? If so, for what resources (wetlands, streams, flood storage capacity, etc)?

Answer:

Yes, the DBT may initiate direct contact with the permitting agencies prior to bid to better define the permitting and mitigation requirements for costing and scheduling. The amount of local mitigation to be performed will ultimately be determined by the final project design and resulting permits.

Question:

Can KYTC provide the proposed roadway library and template used to produce the disturbed limits for the Phase I plan? Are the proposed cross sections for the Phase I plans in digital format so they can be provided also?

Answer:

KYTC does not readily have this information. If it can be found, it will be provided at the Utility and informational meeting to be held 1-17-07.

Question:

Is the hike-bike trail design using Appendix O, references 1, 2, and 4 without using the AASHTO design speed criteria acceptable? If the 20 MPH AASHTO criteria is to be utilized, what is the maximum acceptable width of the disturbed limits within the proposed trail corridor without a design exception? What is the source of the 5' contour mapping provided for the area of the trail?

Answer:

As stated in the Scope of Services, it is the desire of KYTC to meet the 20 mph AASHTO design criteria. This path is intended to become part of a larger "bike path network" that will also use the 20 mph AASHTO design criteria. As with any design exception request, it must be reviewed on a case by case basis. For instance, the maximum acceptable width of the disturbed limits will be evaluated on "what feature we are trying to avoid". The source of the 5' contour mapping provided for this area is a combination of the information derived from the aerial mapping done for the project as well USGS sources to fill in the gaps.

Question:

Can the DBT be given access to all areas of the project to perform field work"? Some field entrances have locked gates that prevent access.

Answer:

Yes. However, this needs to be coordinated with USFS. This will be addressed further at the informational meeting to be held 1-17-07

Question:

As mentioned in the FONSI, the internal road system in the Fenton area is to be designed by the USFS and constructed as part of this US 68/Ky 80 construction contract. Could you please provide the USFS design of this area?

Answer:

Please refer to section 14.10 of the Scope of Services Document and the sketch provided at the Pre-Submittal Conference by Chris Kuntz of KYTC. This sketch should be included in the supplemental files provided on the CD's. The sketch is intended as a guide to assist in addressing this issue. In essence, KYTC is asking that the DBT provide the design and construction of these items for USFS as a part of this project.

Question:

For the bicycle path, will AASHTO criteria be required or will the path be a pedestrian path that meets Forestry Services guidelines?

Answer:

AASHTO criteria for a shared-use path with a 20 MPH design speed

Question:

Does KYTC intend for the normal roadway seeding and sodding of disturbed area after construction to be included in the $300,000 Landscape Budget?

Answer:

No, do not include the normal roadway seeding and sodding items in the Landscape Budget. The Landscape budget is separate from this.

Question:

Does KYTC intend for the DBT to anticipate the decisions of the permitting agencies and include mitigation costs as part of the lump sum bid?

Answer:

As stated in the Scope of Services, "any costs or in-lieu fees associated with obtaining permits" is the responsibility of the DBT. The DBT may contact the appropriate permitting agencies to discuss potential fee amounts as well as schedule related to their proposed designs. It is not the intent of KYTC to inhibit the respective DBT's from gathering of information to put together the best bid possible.

Question:

Will KYTC allow the use of banking and in-lieu fees as opposed to mitigation within the LBL?

Answer:

KYTC has wetland banking credits; that in principle would be available for sale to the respective DBT's. No stream credits are currently available for this area. However, KYTC does not wish to supersede any agreements concerning mitigation requirements within LBL. The DBT is free to make suggestions to USFS and KYTC concerning alternatives to the project mitigation requirements already agreed to.

Question:

Does KYTC expect the culverts to be enlarged to allow for wildlife to cross beneath the roadways?

Answer:

No, KYTC expects the culverts to be sized in accordance with current KYTC procedures. However, the use of 3-sided culverts to span the streams and minimize impacts is a viable option that should be given strong consideration by the DBT.

Question:

Please clarify the extent of plan development that is expected for final design of buildable units. Are the plans to be developed to the same detail that KYTC expects for a typical design-bid plan set?

Answer:

Yes, the level of detail for plans for a buildable unit should be at our near the same level a typical design-bid plan set in order to be approved. Due to the sensitive nature of the area surrounding this project, final determination of project limits and details shall be approved before starting work for any buildable units proposed.

Question:

USFS Information Items recently posted on the web site state that all items necessary for construction of the Hike and Bike Trail should be separated from the 1 lump sum "all inclusive" bid item for the roadway work. Does this mean that the cost of the Hike and Bike Trail that is part of the bridge over The Trace should be separated out? Does this mean that the cost of the Hike and Bike Trail that is adjacent to the proposed eastbound lanes that is part of the roadway typical section in the east end of the project should also be separated out?

Answer:

Upon further review, including construction of the Hike and Bike trail in the segments mentioned above with the overall roadway project is the best approach. Please include the construction of the Hike and Bike Path as shown on the typical sections for both the bridge and segments the path is adjacent to the roadway in the bid for the main roadway work. This corresponds to the all work to construct the path eastbound to approximately Station 5090+00 or Bacon Creek Road. Please provide a separate bid for the hike and bike trail for all work to be done west of Bacon Creek Road.

Question:

USFS Information Items recently posted on the web site state that a separate Right of Way Estimate is to be submitted from the 1 lump sum "all inclusive" bid item. Please clarify what this is for

Answer:

The separate Right of Way estimate is intended to include any Right of Way costs that may be needed outside the limits of what is being provided by USFS. KYTC does not anticipate that there will be a need for any additional Right of Way other than what is shown on the Phase I plans provided. This corresponds to property owned by USFS. However, the respective DBT's may determine some other need not anticipated by KYTC.

Question:

Will USFS be preparing the entire mitigation and monitoring plan? If so, with the mitigation and monitoring plan be completed in time to submit with an accelerated DBT permit application to the USACE and KDOW? If not, will the schedule be adjusted without penalty to the DBT?

Answer:

In an effort to simplify this, please be advised that the DBT shall include $72,000 per acre of wetland disturbance that requires mitigation for an in-lieu fee in their bid. These monies will be distributed by KYTC to the appropriate agencies to satisfy the wetland mitigation requirements.

Question:

Is mitigation of the mudflat wetlands west of Lake Barkley to be handled the same as the wetland mitigation discussed at the January 17 meeting with USFS.

Answer:

Please handle this wetland as outlined with the in-lieu fee approach. The DBT shall include $72,000 per acre of wetland disturbance that requires mitigation for an in-lieu fee in their bid. These monies will be distributed by KYTC to the appropriate agencies to satisfy the wetland mitigation requirements.

Question:

(a) Can a "Design Exception for the Hike and Bike Trail be included "with" the proposal? (b) In order to avoid obstructions, can the Design Speed be reduced to allow for a minimum radius of 15 to feet be used at various location?

Answer:

(a and b): Upon further investigation of the proposed corridor for the "Hike and Bike Trail west of Bacon Creek Road, KYTC is concerned that the requests for design exceptions has reached the point that it is apparent that the DBT's will not be able to meet the desired purpose and need for the trail within the limits of the approved environmental footprint. Please be advised that due to these issues, the DBT's will no longer be required to prepare separate plans and a bid for the Hike and Bike Trail west of Bacon Creek Road as a part of their submittal for this project. KYTC requires that the DBT's provide plans and a bid for the trail east of Bacon Creek Road and include these items as a separate breakout item as a part of "all inclusive" Lump Sum bid for the project.

Question:

Will KYTC grant a design exception, increasing the WB grade at the Fenton Ascent, from 5 percent to 6 percent?

Answer:

No, KYTC will not grant a design exception to increase the WB grade from 5% to 6%.

Question:

Design Criteria-Culvert @ Sta EB 5122+40: Is KYTC 100 year flood criteria to be used to establish the waterway requirements for this structure?

Answer:

The DBT's should use KYTC's standard design criteria for the sizing of the culvert at 5122+40.

Question:

Please provide the name of the design file on the supplemental CD that shows the proposed work in the Fenton Campground area. Can the DBT contact the USFS for guidance on this issue?

Answer:

The file is titled Fentonarea.dgn or Fentonarea.pdf. The intent is that the DBT design and construct an access road to the boat ramp that doesn't interfere with the Camping Access Rd. Parking lot design was not directly involved. As stated at the pre-submittal conference, some flexibility can be utilized with the location of the access road, provided the location meets acceptable design criteria. USFS requests that in general, all questions should be forwarded to KYTC first.

Question:

(a) What is the location on USFS property that cut is to be made to achieve "no net loss" in flooding storage capacity and what are the USFS construction specifications for this work? (b) There will be fill within the flowage easement. Who will be responsible for the design and construction of the required flowage easement mitigation? If it is the DBT's responsibility, will USFS, prior to bid date, designate a location near the proposed road construction to allow the excavation along the lake edge or expansion of an embayment off of the lake?

Answer:

(a and b): As detailed in the Scope of Services, permits are the responsibility of the DBT. The responsibility for the design and construction of any required flowage easement mitigation is the responsibility of the DBT. Determining the location or locations for said mitigation is the responsibility of the DBT. The DBT's are advised to work with the US Army Corp of Engineers and TVA to determine suitable sites for this mitigation. As a courtesy, KYTC has advised USFS of this issue and have requested their assistance in offering suggestions for possible locations on property at LBL that may be suitable for this. Please be advised that KYTC has no restrictions on the location of any mitigation for this item. In other words, if the Corp or TVA will approve a (other than USFS), this is suitable to KYTC. In order to allow the DBT's to pursue this issue further, a time extension of three weeks will be provided. Please be advised that the new proposal submittal date for this project is March 23, 2007.

Question:

With all the changes on the bike path, we would like the following comment addressed:Upon review of the most recent post regarding the bike path would you please confirm whether or not the bike path is to be part of the Bridge over The Trace.

Answer:

Yes, please include the path as part of Bridge over the Trace.

Question:

Clarify the location of the proposed access points to and within the Fenton Campground Area:

Answer:

The DBT's shall construct an entrance to the Fenton area at Sta. 1065+00. The DBT's shall investigate building an entrance to the Fenton area between Sta. 1045+00 and 1053+00. If an entrance can be constructed that meets KYTC guidelines for grades, sight distance, etc, the DBT's shall include this 2nd entrance with their proposal. The DBT's shall construct an access road from an entrance to the Fenton Area to the location of the boat ramp. This access road would begin at the entrance at Sta. 1065+00 or the new 2nd entrance located between 1045+00 and 1053+00. This access road to the boat ramp shall be built in the area of the Old Runway so as not to interfere with the Camping Access Rd. The USFS desires that vehicles attempting to reach the boat ramp DO NOT have to use the Camping Access Rd. to reach the boat ramp.

Question:

Type of surface and thickness needed within the Fenton Campground Area?

Answer:

Construct entrances using typical and pavement design in the scope of services. For the new access road to the boat ramp, please use a typical width of 22' pavement with 4' shoulders, 2' of which shall be paved. Use the pavement design given for approach roads on the typical section for this access road.

Question:

Please provide the number and intended use of parking spaces required within the Fenton Campground Area?

Answer:

The USFS does not intend for any new parking spots to be built in the boat ramp area. The DBT's shall build a small parking lot consisting of 5 spaces for use with the hike and bike path. This parking area should be constructed south of the bikepath and boat ramp access road and north of the camping area access road at approx. 320' Rt. of Sta. 1063+00.00. Use the pavement design shown for approach roads on the typical section as the pavement design for this parking area.

Question:

What is the intended route of the Proposed Hike and Bike Trail East of Bacon Creek Road? Should the trail follow the alignment shown on the Phase 1 plans (adjacent to the proposed roadway alignment) or should it follow the alignment as shown in a file from the Forest Service (separate from the roadway alignment)?

Answer:

The alignment shown in the Phase I plans (adjacent to the roadway) is the alignment that should be used.

Question:

Please provide information concerning the value of the areas leased for farming operations from USFS by private individuals.

Answer:

The leased areas have an estimated value of $31,020.00.

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